Guardian Q&A: Renationalisation, Infrastructure, and Brexit in England's Water Crisis
Guardian environment correspondent Sandra Laville addresses public questions regarding England's severe sewage crisis and the controversy surrounding water industry privatisation. The article challenges the government's £100bn renationalisation cost estimate, citing academics who argue it is biased scaremongering based on Regulatory Capital Value rather than true legal value. Legal experts suggest 'special administration' could facilitate temporary or permanent renationalisation at near-zero cost if companies breach licence obligations regarding pollution or supply. Regarding infrastructure, the piece notes that while separating rainwater and wastewater systems entirely is currently too disruptive, new developments are mandated to use separate pipes, and sustainable drainage solutions like 'sponge cities' are promoted for existing areas. Finally, the analysis contextualizes current pollution levels against historical data from the 1970s-80s, noting that EU directives previously drove improvements, while post-Brexit fears persist regarding the potential weakening of environmental regulations.
Wire timeline
Guardian Q&A: Renationalisation, Infrastructure, and Brexit in England's Water Crisis
Guardian environment correspondent Sandra Laville addresses public questions regarding England's severe sewage crisis and the controversy surrounding water industry privatisation. The article challenges the government's £100bn renationalisation cost estimate, citing academics who argue it is biased scaremongering based on Regulatory Capital Value rather than true legal value. Legal experts suggest 'special administration' could facilitate temporary or permanent renationalisation at near-zero cost if companies breach licence obligations regarding pollution or supply. Regarding infrastructure, the piece notes that while separating rainwater and wastewater systems entirely is currently too disruptive, new developments are mandated to use separate pipes, and sustainable drainage solutions like 'sponge cities' are promoted for existing areas. Finally, the analysis contextualizes current pollution levels against historical data from the 1970s-80s, noting that EU directives previously drove improvements, while post-Brexit fears persist regarding the potential weakening of environmental regulations.
The Guardian